The first look inside the new Airbus A350

WIDER cabins, bigger seats and more overhead storage. These are the first pics inside the latest Airbus jet set to launch this year. Take a look.

The new Airbus A350 XWB

MORE space, flexibility and comfort ... we like the sound of that.

Airbus showed off the interior of its new A350 XWB for the first time in Hamburg this week as it looks to step up the competition in the long-haul market currently dominated by Boeing’s 777 and 787 jets.

Business class in the new Airbus A350 XWB.

Nicknamed the “Hushliner” due to its low noise levels, Airbus says the passenger experience in the A350 is a major drawcard, with improved air quality (air is replaced on the aircraft every two to three minutes), a larger cabin and 18-inch-wide seats in economy.

Economy class in the new Airbus A350 XWB.

There have been other subtle changes to the wide-body jet, including cabin walls that are more vertical (so that they don’t curve in on passengers) and larger overhead storage bins.

It’s designed to have an economy class carrying nine abreast, but the A350 will come in three sizes (A350-800, A350-900 and A350-1000) and can be configured to seat passengers from eight to 10 abreast.

LCD screens in the interior of the economy class of the new Airbus A350 XWB.

The unusual curved wings of the plane have been designed to reduce drag and more than half the jet is made of carbon fibre to make it lighter and more fuel efficient.

Airbus hopes this well help offset the high cost of fuel and the cost of the aircraft that has a list price starting at $US254.3 million ($A284 million).

Business class passengers will experience all the perks, with Airbus promising mood lighting and the option for fully-flat seats. First class can be fitted at the customer airline’s discretion.

The interior of the business class of the new Airbus A350 XWB.

The A350 remains on schedule to launch with Qatar Airways by the year’s end.

The interior of the economy class of the new Airbus A350 XWB.